Your guide to Homocysteine.
Explore the importance of Homocysteine for your health and longevity with Mito Health's detailed biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.
What is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an important amino-acid produced by our body from another amino-acid, methionine, as part of the process of methylation.
What does it assess?
Homocysteine is normally excreted in the urine or recycled back into other amino acids, a process that is mainly regulated by B vitamins and betaine. High levels have been associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, cognitive decline and heart disease.
How do I optimize my Homocysteine levels?
Homocysteine metabolism is dependent on vitamins B6, B12, and folate. These vitamins help convert homocysteine into less harmful substances like methionine and cysteine. Ensure your diet includes folate-rich foods, B12-rich foods, and B6-rich foods. If dietary intake is insufficient, consider supplementation after consulting a healthcare provider.
Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of B vitamins, contributing to elevated homocysteine levels. Reducing alcohol intake can help optimize B vitamin levels and subsequently support homocysteine balance.
Chronic inflammation and high stress can elevate homocysteine levels. Reducing chronic inflammation through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can help maintain normal homocysteine levels.
What do high and low levels of Homocysteine mean?
High homocysteine levels can be due to inadequate intake of vitamins B6, B9 (folate) and B12, as well as inadequate choline and betaine intake in the diet. Additionally, certain genetic mutations (relating to the MTHFR gene) affect how well our body is able to metabolise homocysteine. Higher levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Having low homocysteine levels in the blood is generally considered healthy and is not typically a cause for concern. Low levels of homocysteine are associated with better cardiovascular and cognitive health.